Female fitness professionals are increasingly taking leadership roles in organizations and entrepreneurs, but there is still work to be done to achieve gender equality
Women’s History Month honors the achievements and struggles of women throughout history and sheds light on women’s changing roles and emerging existences. The fitness industry is a prime example of this evolution.
Historically, the fitness world has mirrored many other fields, with men predominantly filling the roles of personal trainers, health coaches, and group instructors. Today, women are increasingly participating in fitness and moving into leadership and influential roles as personal trainers, health coaches, and business owners, while continuing to overcome barriers to success.
Women’s fitness experience
Initially, women’s participation in fitness was limited to specific areas, such as aerobics or women-only gyms, reflecting the broader stereotypes and social expectations of the time. These characters, while important, represent a narrow view of women’s capabilities.
As the decades passed, the fitness industry began to slowly change, driven by shifting social attitudes as women began to make their presence felt, breaking through stereotypes and redefining what it meant to be a fitness professional.
Maria Luque, PhD, MS, CHES, ACE-CPT, ACE-FNS, Educator and Founder Menopause fitnesssaid that as a fitness professional with more than two decades of experience in the industry and working exclusively with women for more than a decade, she has seen the industry’s perception of women’s roles as personal trainers and health coaches evolve. Significant transformation.
“Initially, there was a common stereotype that women were primarily customers in the fitness space rather than leaders,” Luke said. “However, people are beginning to recognize women as the most knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the field, and this shift should inspire and inspire us all.”
Judy Shepard Missett is a prime example of female innovation and leadership. In 1969, Missett founded Jazzercise, a dance-based fitness program that seamlessly blends jazz dance with exercise, strength training and stretching.
Missett, who is worth about $100 million, has turned her idea into a global empire that encourages women to start businesses in the fitness industry.
Other examples of women making headway in fitness entrepreneurship and leadership include ClassPass founder Payal Kadakia, who has a net worth of at least $60 million, RobLocated in Arzonis Peloton’s Vice President of Fitness Planning and has become a prominent figure and popular trainer for the brand.
gender pay gap
Women in the fitness industry often face gender bias, which damages their professional credibility and contributes to a pay gap with their male counterparts.
For example, female personal trainers and health coaches may face doubts about their expertise and physical abilities, a challenge that men rarely face. These biases can also extend to pay, with women often earning less despite having equal qualifications and responsibilities.
A 2021 Salary Survey Research from the Personal Trainer Development Center (PTDC) found that women earn, on average, 68% of what men earn in essentially similar jobs. In the personal training field, the gap is even wider, with female personal trainers earning 66% of what male personal trainers earn, with male respondents earning an average of $54,514 per year, while female respondents earning an average of $35,945.
Erin Lewis McCormick, MS, a personal trainer and award-winning educator, says discussions about gender bias and pay disparity are not unique to the fitness industry.This is a national issue affecting every industry quality The time of service becomes more important than the time spent providing fitness services. She advocates for changes in the compensation structure of the fitness industry.
“I want to move away from a time-based model to one that recognizes the value of the experience and expertise of fitness professionals,” McCormick said.
Women are not little men
Another related angle for women overcoming obstacles is sports science research And how women are underrepresented. This is important because good program design depends on available research and education.
NASM Content Strategist and Global Master Instructor Susane Pata is eager to help change that.
Pata’s journey of discovery led her to the work of Dr. Stacey Sims, a figure who has become synonymous with innovation in women’s athletics. Pata looked back on her initial exposure to Sims’ research and realized “there were people paying attention to female athletes.”
Sims opens up new avenues for “the discussion about female athletes: their health, performance, health and longevity—all in new ways based on the latest research,” according to Patta, who emphasized that A popular quote from: “Women are not little men,” is a simple yet powerful statement that challenges long-standing biases in exercise science.
This assertion not only highlighted the biological differences between men and women but also marked a major shift in the way female athletes are perceived and studied.
“She is now putting a conversation on the table about female athletes — conversations and comparisons that have never been had before,” Pata noted.
Pata also admires such athletes Tia Claire Toomey. The buzz around Toomey, both criticism and praise, “creates a place for female athletes” to showcase their undeniable talent and dedication.
Pata connects these observations to a broader narrative of gender equality and collaboration in sport.
“So despite obvious biological sex differences, women like this show that you can sit next to men,” Pata said.
Opportunities for all
Demand for personal trainers and fitness instructors has surged over the past decade, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Expected to grow by 15% Between 2019 and 2029. The expansion is expected to add approximately 57,600 trainers over the next 10 years, demonstrating the growing influence of women in the industry.
Patta encourages other female fitness professionals to take advantage of this trend and keep learning.
“Knowledge is power, and…it’s very advantageous to be armed with knowledge and never become complacent,” she said. “Just because you earn a certification, it doesn’t mean the learning stops there. It never ends. “
For women who are new to the industry or need advice, Pata advises them to “try a little bit of everything” as it can “inform future decisions, especially those that are involved in the long term.”
McCormick, an industry veteran, said that while there have been some trailblazing women who have taken on important roles and been recognized for their contributions, the fitness industry still has a long way to go to achieve gender balance; perhaps especially in executive positions superior.
“The representation of women in leadership positions in the fitness industry is a topic of concern,” McCormick said. “According to a opinion poll47% of men hold leadership positions in the fitness field, compared to only 36% of women. 70% of gym owners are men and 29% are women. “
Luque is encouraged by the changes she’s seen in the industry, but agrees there’s more work to be done, echoing McCormick’s sentiments.
“As more women enter the fitness industry, there is a greater emphasis on inclusion, diversity, and recognition of women’s unique needs and experiences in fitness and health coaching,” Luke said.
She added: “These shifts not only provide women with more career advancement opportunities, but also help create a more balanced and inclusive fitness industry that better meets the diverse needs of everyone, regardless of gender.”
